The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released approximately $20 million in funding for previously approved contracts that had been frozen under the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul federal programs.
While this represents only a small portion of the program funding suspended after the White House’s broader freeze on federal loans and grants last month, it marks a shift in the USDA’s approach under new Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Rollins emphasized the importance of American farmers and ranchers, acknowledging their role in feeding, fueling, and clothing the nation and millions worldwide. However, she criticized the Biden administration’s policies, attributing recent struggles in the agricultural sector to over-regulation, extreme environmental programs, and inflation. Rollins also pointed to the rushed distribution of Inflation Reduction Act funds, arguing that some of the funding was misallocated to non-agriculture programs.
The USDA is still reviewing IRA funding to determine how much went to programs unrelated to farming and ranching. Rollins stated that the department is committed to honoring obligations to farmers and ranchers who have already made investments based on these programs. He assured that future funding decisions would focus on ensuring American agriculture remains competitive while avoiding allocations to what he described as “DEIA programs or far-left climate programs.”
This release of funding is only the first step, with additional announcements expected as the USDA continues its review. The administration had initially rescinded the memo ordering the funding freeze, but legal challenges have complicated the situation. A U.S. judge recently noted that the government was still withholding funds despite the court blocking the freeze.
Moving forward, the USDA’s funding decisions will likely remain under scrutiny, as stakeholders in the agricultural sector watch how the department prioritizes financial support for farmers and ranchers in the coming months.
